If you’re looking for a comforting, effortless dinner that brings all the best flavors of a classic lasagna with half the fuss, you will absolutely love this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe. Imagine layers of tender, cheese-filled ravioli baked in a savory meat sauce, slow-cooked to perfection right in your crockpot. It’s a hearty and family-friendly dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet requires minimal hands-on time. This recipe combines simplicity with indulgence in a way that will make it an instant favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a dish as comforting as this, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of rich flavor, creamy texture, and that irresistible Italian flair.
- 1 lb ground round or MorningStar Farms Grillers Recipe Crumbles: Provides the savory, meaty base or a perfect vegetarian alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- 1 cup chopped onions: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat or crumbles.
- 2–4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant warmth that elevates every bite.
- 1 (24 oz) jar of pasta sauce: A rich tomato sauce ties all the layers together with tang and herbs.
- 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese-filled ravioli (do not thaw): The star of this recipe, ready to soak up the sauce and melt deliciously.
- 1 (8 oz) package shredded Italian blend cheese: Creates gooey, melty layers that make this lasagna so irresistible.
How to Make Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat Mixture
Start by cooking the ground round or veggie crumble along with chopped onions and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is key because browning the meat and softening the onions bring out the best flavors. Once everything is cooked through – and the meat is no longer pink – drain any excess fat if needed, then set this flavorful mixture aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer
Lightly grease your crockpot to prevent sticking. Spoon about 3/4 cup of your pasta sauce into the bottom to create a flavorful foundation. This ensures the ravioli won’t stick and helps build those delicious, saucy layers from the very bottom.
Step 3: Layer the Frozen Ravioli
Next, add half of the frozen cheese-filled ravioli directly over the sauce. There’s no need to thaw them first – they’ll cook perfectly slow and steady alongside the other ingredients. This shortcut saves time without sacrificing taste or texture.
Step 4: Add the Meat Mixture
Sprinkle half of your cooked meat and onion mixture evenly over the ravioli. Distributing the meat evenly will help balance flavors throughout each bite — every forkful should have a bit of that rich, savory goodness.
Step 5: Sprinkle Cheese on Top
Top this layer with about one cup of shredded Italian blend cheese. The cheese layer is what melts into mouthwatering pockets of gooeyness that make this dish so comforting and decadent.
Step 6: Repeat the Layers
Now it’s time to repeat: start with another 3/4 cup of sauce, add the remaining ravioli, then the leftover meat mixture. Finish with the remaining cup of cheese on top. This double-layer setup creates a lasagna effect with all the wonderful textures and flavors mingling together.
Step 7: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Keep an eye on it towards the 4-hour mark, as some crockpots cook faster than others. The ravioli should be tender and the cheese perfectly melted when it’s ready. This slow cooking is where all the flavors marry into something truly special.
How to Serve Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a burst of color and a subtle freshness that complements the rich dish beautifully. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top can also enhance the cheesy goodness while giving a little salty punch.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines when paired with crisp, fresh side salads or roasted vegetables to add some brightness and lightness to the meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is another classic choice, perfect for mopping up extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve straight from the crockpot for a cozy, family-style feel. If you want to impress guests, spoon the lasagna onto plates with a drizzle of extra marinara and a sprig of fresh herbs. You can even assemble smaller individual portions in ramekins to make it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftover portions in airtight containers to maintain their flavor and texture. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes really well. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or in a low oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of pasta sauce or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating helps keep the ravioli from drying out, reviving that fresh-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use fresh ravioli instead of frozen?
You can, but fresh ravioli cooks much faster and can become mushy in the slow cooker. Frozen works best to hold its shape while absorbing all the delicious sauce and flavors.
Can I make this crockpot recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Using MorningStar Farms Grillers Recipe Crumbles or any plant-based crumble in place of ground beef keeps this dish just as hearty and flavorful, perfect for vegetarians.
How do I know when it’s done?
The ravioli should be tender but not falling apart, and cheese fully melted and bubbly. After about 4 hours on LOW, check periodically—cooking time can vary with crockpot models.
Can I add extra vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be great additions sautéed with the meat or crumbles. Just keep the vegetable quantity balanced so the layers don’t get too soggy.
What if I don’t have Italian blend cheese?
You can substitute mozzarella mixed with a little Parmesan and provolone to recreate that flavorful Italian cheese blend at home. It will still taste fantastic!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines ease, comfort, and flavor so effortlessly, and this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe does exactly that. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need a reliable weeknight winner, this recipe offers a hands-off way to enjoy all the best parts of lasagna. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a simple and hearty slow-cooked dish that layers cheese-filled ravioli with ground meat, pasta sauce, and Italian blend cheese. Perfect for busy days, this recipe delivers the flavors of classic lasagna with less effort, making it a comforting meal ready after a few hours in the crockpot.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground round (or MorningStar Farms Grillers Recipe Crumbles for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2–4 garlic cloves, minced
Layers
- 1 (24 oz) jar of pasta sauce
- 1 (25 oz) package frozen cheese-filled ravioli, do not thaw
- 1 (8 oz) package shredded Italian blend cheese
Instructions
- Cook the meat and aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground round or vegetarian crumble along with chopped onions and minced garlic until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat if necessary and set aside.
- Prepare the crockpot base: Lightly grease the bottom of the crockpot. Spoon about 3/4 cup of the pasta sauce into the base, spreading it evenly to create the first layer.
- Layer ravioli: Add half of the frozen cheese-filled ravioli over the sauce layer, distributing them evenly.
- Add meat layer: Spread half of the cooked meat mixture over the ravioli layer.
- Cheese topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Italian blend cheese evenly over the meat layer.
- Repeat layering: Repeat the layering order starting with another 3/4 cup of pasta sauce, then the remaining ravioli, followed by the remaining meat mixture, and finish with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Cook in crockpot: Cover with the crockpot lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the ravioli is tender and the flavors have melded together. Start checking for doneness around 4.5 hours to avoid overcooking.
Notes
- The original recipe suggests 6 hours of slow cooking, but the dish is often ready after about 4.5 hours—check your crockpot to avoid overcooking.
- If you prefer a vegetarian meal, substitute ground round with MorningStar Farms Grillers Recipe Crumbles or your favorite plant-based meat alternative.
- Do not thaw the frozen ravioli before layering; layering frozen will help maintain the structure during slow cooking.
- Lightly greasing the crockpot helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Adjust garlic quantity according to taste preference.
